Physical Activities After the Stroke: Rehabilitation Process - Essay Example

STROKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES Introduction Stroke has become a common health issue that is affecting millions of patients globally. The diseases have been a major cause of deaths, not only in Ireland, but also in developed countries, such as the United States (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, 2004). Stroke has been associated with increased inactivity and sedentary lifestyles, smoking, drinking and high intake of fats and carbohydrates. The other co-occurring ailments include diabetes mellitus and hypertension that is common in many patients diagnosed with stroke. Lack of physical activities, has also been found to affect the recovery process of most patients with strokes. The essay will focus on the importance of activities in the recovery of stroke patients. This will be based on scientific studies that indicate the importance of physical exercises (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, 2004). The current studies have mentioned that inactivity and sedentary lifestyles to be common in patients with stroke. This has been associated with the physical deconditioning, a situation that many patients in critical conditions cannot be evade. The physical inactivity can be attributed to age differences, especially in many patients who are above the age of 60. It is also common in patients with negative attitudes and perception about the recovery programs. Patients, who believe that they will recover and become independent, are more likely to participate in physical activities. They respond well to the medical treatment. Several researches also find a correlation between motor coordination and the increased sensitivity of the stroke-impaired limbs with exercises. As a physiotherapist, I have been able to discover the importance of physical activities. I have found that patients who are positive and regularly participate in physical exercise are more likely to respond to drugs. The patients are able to improve their self-esteem and are very positive in life. Only a few patients who have been constantly taking part in physical activities that been diagnosed with the co-occurring ailments. Further, none of the case of recurrent of stroke has been reported. On the contrary, I have had about four patients being diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to inactivity. These patients have refused to continue with the physical exercise program I have made. Hence, my interactions with the patients prove that indeed the physical exercises play an imperative role. As such, I advocate for increased investments for equipment that will enhance aerobics and other activities deemed right for the stroke patients. Discussion Stroke has become a major health concern globally. In Ireland, it is estimated that more than 10,000 patients are admitted annually due to stroke. The statistics indicate that close to 2,000 of the admitted patients die annually. It is also estimated that close to 80% of stroke cases in Ireland are caused by the blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Ireland is facing a shortage of stroke unit care, a situation that has made it impossible to manage patients effectively. In 2006, for instance, it is estimate that only1% of the patients spent more than 50% of their time in the stroke care unit. The physical inactivity in stroke patients has been linked to recurrent of stoke and cardiovascular diseases. Inactivity is common, especially in the aging population. Lack of physical activity causes accumulation of fats, especially in the arteries. Billinger, et al. (2014) found that the level of inactivity increases when stroke patients have been discharged from hospitals. The study indicated that one of the main causes is the physical deconditioning. During their critical moments, patients may be asked to take a bed rest, and limit their movements. However, a majority of patients, especially those above 55, remain in this inactive moment even when they begin recovering. As a result, the patients cannot perform simple tasks or activities such as taking a walk. According to Gordon et al. (2004), most stroke patients also succumb to sedentary lifestyles. This has been attributed to the attitude of the patients towards their health and the whole aspect of recovery. Patients who believe that they can recover from stroke are more likely to be actively involved in their rehabilitation program. The patients will be eager to regain their independence, and take control of their lives. For instance, such patients may begin bathing themselves, going to toilet or walking to exercise their stroke-impaired limbs. On the contrary, some patients are pessimistic about their recovery, hence remaining inactive and callous about their general wellbeing (Gordon, 2004). According to a report by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (2004), one of the main challenges facing the stroke patients is isolation and loneliness. This is especially those above the age of 60. They lack close family members and friends who can assist them in carrying out physical activities. In addition to this, Gordon (2003) found that seeking the services of a physiotherapist is expensive, hence unaffordable to most people. The ignorance about the importance of physical activities in management of stroke has also been identified to be a major challenge (Cooper, 2000). Patients and caregivers may not know the importance of physical exercises. In some cases, the physical exercises should also be done in the presence of a qualified physiotherapist who gives specific instructions about the kind of activities and their intensity. This is owing to the fact most of the stroke patients may also be suffering from other ailments that may hinder strenuous physical activities. In their study on the goals of activities in stroke patients, Gordon (2003) established that the main aim is to prevent the recurrent of stroke. According to the study, an aerobic conditioning program enhances regulation of glucose level. It also prevents the body from storing fats, which is a major cause of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The physical exercises lower blood cholesterol, hence preventing weight gain. These findings point to the importance of physical exercises in preventing a number of diseases that may prevent quick recovery for patients with stroke. The physical activities have also been linked to improved wellbeing. Patients with stroke may succumb to depression, general anxiety disorders and other related mental ailments. Some patients may engage in maladaptive behavior. Excessive drinking and smoking has been found to be common in patients who are inactive compared to those who take time to exercise (Gordon, 2003). It is also in patients who are lonely, than those with close relatives and friends. The physical exercises enhance the self-esteem of the patients, and alleviate their negative emotions. Smoking and drinking are risky factors, which have been attributed to recurrent of stroke. Hence, the study indicates the importance of physical activities in preventing secondary stroke, and fostering positive living. Gordon et al. (2014) found that there were positive results in patients who participated in exercises. The researchers studied patients who exercise 1-hour per day, 3 days a week in a program that ran for about 12 weeks. The study established that patients with stroke, who agreed to take part in aerobic exercises, were able to increase their peak oxygen uptake. The low peak oxygen uptake has been one of the main challenges hindering patients with stoke from physical exercises, or performing light tasks. This challenge, however, is addressed when patients begin taking part in physical exercises. Secondly, the study indicated that the physical exercises led to improvements in paretic knee-extension torque. This increases locomotion and motor coordination. The stroke impaired-limbs may also begin regaining their sensitivity. This increases the chances of recovery. The studies have found that there is a need for the rehabilitation centers to ensure that exercise becomes a core component. It is estimated that recovering patients should participate for 2-7 days a week in physical activities. The duration should be between 20 and 60 minutes daily. However, this should be done in relation to the patient’s current condition. The presence of co-coexistence diseases should also be taken into consideration. Reflection As a physiotherapist, I understand the importance of physical activities in the management of stroke patients. Having being in the profession for a couple of years now, I have taken care of a number of patients. The main observations I have made is that most of the patients are very inactive. Through the interactions with the stroke patients under rehabilitation, I found that perceptions and attitudes play an imperative role in the recovery process. Close to 50% of the patients I visit, do not believe that they will recover. They are very pessimistic. They also consider themselves helpless, and lacking in autonomy. However, the negative attitude can be attributed to the fact that I discovered that the majority of the patients lead lonely lives. The level of inactivity is also very high. I found the level of inactivity to be highest in the aging population. This kind of inactivity increases the burden on the part of caregivers, as patients are unable to do anything. I have found that some patients have to be fed, bathed or taken to the toilet. This is despite the fact that most of the patients had been in the rehabilitation service for long. Throughout the rehabilitation program, I have tried to encourage patients to participate in light physical exercises, which are mostly in form of aerobics. I assist the patients in exercising the stroke-impaired limbs, such as legs, or arms. I also instruct the caregivers what to do in my absence to ensure that the patients exercise regularly. However, one of my main aims, prior the exercises, is to ensure that patients are fit for exercises. They are diagnosed to establish if they have any co-existent diseases that may hinder the physical exercises. I have also ensured that all the caregivers for the stroke patients have access to my contacts just in case of any complications. One of the main negative feedbacks I receive is that even after stressing the importance of exercises, more than 60% of the patients I look after do not adhere to the program. Some of them cite lack of support, breathing problems and physical pain as the main reasons. With most of the patients still in their critical conditions, they need support from their caregivers for different exercises. The caregivers, however, find themselves with daunting task of looking after patients with stroke that they not get time for aerobics. The attitudes of the patients towards the physical exercises and the whole process of recovery is also a major challenge. For instance, some patients appear stubborn and this discourages the physical exercises. In the course of my profession, I have established that stroke patients who take physical activities seriously are likely to recover quickly. They appear happier, with a positive attitude towards the recovery process. The patients are also able to perform exercises such as feeding themselves, moving from one point to another within the house, bathing and even taking themselves to the toilet. The patients also have a positive attitude towards regaining their autonomy. The patients hate being under the constant care, but they understand that this is important for their full functioning. The patients also report few other healthy complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure that is associated with recurrent of stroke. One of the main discouragements is that a number of patients do not seem to be responding positively to rehabilitation. For instance, some of the patients have been using alcohol and are heavy smokers. I discovered that a majority of these patients also suffer from depression and other mental disorders. As a result, the recovery process has been hampered, and the chances of stroke recurrent have been high. For instance, about four of the patients have also been diagnosed with co-occurring diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Conclusion Physical exercises play a significant role in enhancing recovery for patients in the rehabilitation. The physical exercise should be conducted under the instructions of a qualified physiotherapist. Regular exercises have been associated with decreased chances of secondary stroke. The exercises have also been found to prevent co-occurring diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. In general, the activities enhance the recovery process, and improve the physical, emotional mental wellbeing of the patients. References American Heart Association (2002). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2003 Update. Dallas, Tex: American Heart Association; 2002. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (2004). Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Programs. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics. Billinger, A. 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